Test for leakage current resistance in modules

These can theoretically occur in all crystalline modules and cause a drop in the module's output. The effect, which is known among specialists as potential-induced degradation (PID), is caused by high negative voltages and is accentuated by high humidity and high temperatures. The leakage currents occur at the module-frame transition.

During the test, a voltage of -1,000 V is applied to modules from current series production for seven days while the temperature is kept at 25 °C. If the module's nominal capacity drops by less than 5 % during this time span, the test has been passed, and the module is regarded as PID-resistant. All of the three companies Schott Solar, Q-Cells and Solon SE that were involved in the development of the test have passed it. But there were reportedly modules from other manufacturers that showed a drop in capacity of more than 50 %. So far, however, no names have been mentioned.

Leakage currents can be avoided in completed installations as well, for example by using inverters that do not generate any negative voltages, or by earthing the installation. But it is more economical to counteract the effect in the module itself, says Schott Solar.

Similar Entries

The company plusAmpere introduces an innovative “reflector and calculation system” offering an efficient and inexpensive way of increasing the overall yield of existing and newly planned photovoltaic and solar thermal facilities.

Many governments around the world are pushing for more renewable energy, a big percentage coming from solar. Taiwan manufacturers are seizing every opportunity to introduce high-quality and innovative products. Intersolar is the leading solar exhibition and will be held this year in Munich, Germany from May 15-17, 2019. Taiwan Solar Pavilion will be comprised of 13 Taiwanese companies that offer a one-stop total solution to solar needs.

Slowly but surely the floating offshore wind energy sector is becoming more and more important, particularly because of the fact that the number of locations with shallow waters suitable for fixed-bottom foundations is limited. Floating wind is turning into a highly scalable future energy source because the wind resource in deep waters is extensive and offers a significant potential for marine renewable energy development and growth to many countries.

Allianz Capital Partners on behalf of Allianz insurance companies has closed today the acquisition of the 46 MW Ourika project (“Ourika”) in Portugal. The solar farm is fully operational and has been developed by the WElink Group (“WElink”).